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Bradley Wiggins cycling jersey raises money for operation

A signed Bradley Wiggins cycling jersey has raised more than £500 to help pay for a life changing operation for twins from Carpenders Park.

Rebecca and Jack Latham, from Hangar Ruding, were diagnosed with diplegic cerebral palsy just after their second birthday, and are unable to walk.

An operation not currently on the NHS, called "selective dorsal rhizotomy" (SDR) treatment, could help both children walk but will cost £25,000-£30,000 for each child.

Caroline Latham, their mother, said: "They are bright happy and fantastic little kids, when they play you wouldn't notice any difference, except when the other children run off Jack and Rebecca are
left to crawl or grab a walking frame and struggle after them. It's heart breaking to see."

Luckily Ms Latham, 34, has a friend who works for Sky, and was given a jersey worn and signed by famous cyclist Bradley Wiggins.

The Tour De France winner and Olympic gold medallist donned the white jersey in last year's Vuelta, where he helped create history when he and Chris Froome became the first British riders ever to
finish on a Grand Tour podium.

The Jersey has "wiggo" printed down the side and is new and unworn, and was sold for £567 on auction site eBay.

The family have also had an Olympic Games Maker's t-shirt, and signed players' cards from Manchester United and Arsenal donated.

Kevin Latham, father, said: "We know £100,000 is a huge sum, and we have to raise the whole amount.

"It’s not an option to reach half-way and be able to afford treatment for one of our twins and not the other. How could we possibly choose?"

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